11 Gospel & Christian Songs To Honor Black History Month

February is Black History month and it serves as a time to reflect on the important role African Americans have played throughout the history of the U.S. In 1976 President Gerald R. Ford recognized Black History Month and each American president after has also recognized the month.

Here are 11 songs to honor Black History Month. You can check them out on WOW Gospel 2015 and listen to them on the Spotify Playlist: WOW Presents: CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH Featuring the top Gospel Artists and Top Gospel Songs, as well as the playlist on YouTube. WOW Gospel 2015 features 30 artists, including Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs, Lecrae, Jamie Grace, Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbett, Smokie Norful, and Hezekiah Walker.

11. Welcome To America – Lecrae

Favorite Lyrics

And I’m still in America
Though America ain’t feeling me
I went to war for this Country
Turned around came home and you drillin' me?
When y’all free here saying you don’t wanna be here
Well, you probably could breathe here
If I didn’t load a couple magazines here
Y’all just complain in America
I’m jumping out of military planes from America
Aye I was made in America
That's why I’m out here saving America
I got a brother in the cemetery now
Cause he wanted y’all safe
And everybody want the freedom but nobody want to hear about face!
We bled for America
To keep y’all fed in America
But what’s the point of talking a lot of y’all don’t really even care America

10. No Weapon – Fred Hammond

Favorite Lyrics

God will do what He say He would do
He will stand by His word
And He will come through
God will do what He say He would do
He will stand by His word
And He will come through

9. Every Praise – Hezekiah Walker

Favorite Lyrics

Every praise is to our God.
Every word of worship with one accord
Every praise every praise is to our God.
Sing hallelujah to our God
Glory hallelujah is due our God
Every praise every praise is to our God

8. If He Did It Before…Same God – Tye Tribbett

Favorite Lyrics

If he did it before, he can do it again
Same god right now, same god back then
If he did it before, he can do it again
Same god right now, same god back then

I've got power, I know I will overcome
Greater is in me, the fight ain't fair cause I've already won
and yes i may fall,and get knocked down to the ground
I know I'll rise up, this is how I'm so sure

7. I Smile – Kirk Franklin

Favorite Lyrics

I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain (the holy ghost power, yo)
fell from heaven like a shower now.

I smile, even though I hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you've been down.
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile.

6. No Greater Love* – Smokie Norful

Favorite Lyrics

If you look into my eyes you’ll see

Life is trying to get the best of me.

I know the Giver of Life personally

He’s the reason that I sing

His name is Jesus

And He love me

And I know this

‘Cause He died for me

and He rescued me

5. Overcomer – Mandisa

Favorite Lyrics

You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight ‘til the final round
You're not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when He reminds You
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer

4. Soon And Very Soon – Andrae Crouch & CeCe Winans

Favorite Lyrics

No more cryin there, 
We are going to see the King

No more cryin there, 
We are going to see the King
Hallelujah, hallelujah, 
We're going to see the King

3. Worth Fighting For* – Brian Courtney Wilson

Favorite Lyrics

Now I’m moving

By faith and not by sight

Towards victory, by the power of your might

You’re straightening out my path

And opening every door

I’m your child

And I’m worth fighting for

2. Beautiful Day* – Jamie Grace

Favorite Lyrics

And oh there's something 'bout the way
Your sun shines on my face
It's a love so true I can never get enough of You
This feeling can't be wrong I'm about to get my worship on
Take me away
It's a beautiful day,
It's a beautiful day

1. Break Every Chain – Tasha Cobbs

Favorite Lyrics

There is power in the name of Jesus

There is power in the name of Jesus

There is power in the name of Jesus

To break every chain

Break every chain

Break every chain

There are many African American Christian singers who have left and are leaving a legacy of music across many genres, from gospel, soul and pop. Some of these include Kirk Franklin, Edwin Hawkins, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe Winans, Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Lecrae and Mandisa. Who are your favorite African American singers?

Playlist

Article by Elise Cleary

I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.